Millcreek Township School District directs solicitors to pursue legal action after alleged fraud by former superintendent

Board President Winchell told residents at a special meeting Monday that the district was "appalled" and felt "betrayed" after discovering what the board now believes were fraudulent employment documents submitted by former superintendent Ian Roberts.

The board voted to direct its solicitors to pursue legal action against the search firm the district hired to perform full vetting and to pursue claims against Roberts. The motions — to authorize litigation against the search firm and to pursue claims against Roberts — passed on roll call during the special board meeting following a lengthy public-comment period.

Why it matters: District officials said the documents the district received during Roberts’ hiring are now believed to be fabricated and that the board and its solicitors are seeking accountability. The board also said it has provided documentation to federal authorities and scheduled a meeting with the U.S. attorney’s office so investigators can review materials the district now considers suspect.

What the district said it will do: Attorney Herzing, the district solicitor, said the board has sent a litigation-hold letter to the firm and will evaluate claims including breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation. The solicitor said the district will return to the board with an estimate of likely legal costs and a recommended course of action before spending funds on litigation.

What district staff said about hiring checks: Dr. Jablonski, the district director of human resources, told the meeting that the district required a standard checklist when Roberts was hired: resumé, three references, official transcripts, Pennsylvania certification documentation, health and child-abuse clearances, Pennsylvania criminal checks, FBI background check, an I-9 with identification, a drug test and payroll forms. She said those materials were submitted before Roberts began work and that, under state law, the district may consider convictions but not arrests in certain circumstances.

Public reaction: Dozens of residents took the podium during a marathon public-comment segment, urging faster action, asking whether taxpayers will shoulder litigation costs and pressing for resignations or apologies from board members. Speakers named specific amounts they said were paid in settlements and consulting fees; district officials replied that some settlements were paid through insurance and that the board will provide cost estimates before authorizing litigation.

Board context and next steps: Board members said they relied on an outside executive-search firm at the time of hiring and that the board had voted to give that firm full vetting authority during the COVID-era search. The district said it is reviewing internal processes for future hires (including exploring E-Verify for I-9 verification), turning over documents to federal investigators and examining potential claims against the search firm and Roberts.

Votes and formal actions: On motions brought forward at the special board meeting, the board voted to direct the district’s solicitors to pursue legal action against the search firm and to pursue legal action against Ian Roberts. The board asked its solicitor to return with cost estimates and options, and the district said it would notify the public before spending taxpayer funds on litigation.

Officials and quotations: Board President Winchell said, "We were appalled at the discovery of the numerous lies and fraudulent documentation. The Mill Creek community as a whole has been betrayed, and we are infuriated at this deception." Dr. Jablonski summarized the hiring checklist and emphasized the district had received the required documentation before Roberts began employment.

What is not yet resolved: District and board members said it is uncertain whether the district can recover compensation. Officials said if Roberts is removed from the United States, recovery may be difficult. The solicitor said the district will evaluate potential claims, anticipated costs and the best venues for any suits and will report back to the board with options before authorizing expenditures.

Closing: Board and district leaders ended the meeting by urging community members to stay engaged in regular meetings and by noting recent student and instructional achievements. The board announced an executive session to follow for negotiation purposes.